Reps. John James and Tom Barrett Continue Their Support For Tariffs That Are Hurting Michigan Businesses
Yesterday, Congressmen John James and Tom Barrett voted against a resolution to terminate the national emergency declaration that enables tariffs on Canadian imports. The House voted 219-211 to pass the resolution, with six Republicans joining Democrats to challenge the trade policy. Reps. Barrett and James voted with the majority of House Republicans to keep the tariffs in place.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the cost of food at home rose 2.4% overall in 2025. Tariffs have increased the price of not just food, but lumber and steel as well. The Federal Reserve's January 2026 "Beige Book" report stated that cost pressures due to tariffs were a consistent theme across all regions, and that many businesses that had initially absorbed tariff-related costs were beginning to pass them on to customers.
"Congressmen John James and Tom Barrett just voted to keep tariffs that are making life more expensive for their constituents. Food costs keep rising, and people are worried. Families and businesses across MI-10 and MI-07 are paying extra because of tariffs," said Alex, a small business owner and carpenter from Macomb County. "I've had to raise my prices because lumber costs more, hardware costs more, and tools cost more. My customers are struggling families who can barely afford repairs as it is. James and Barrett had a chance to provide relief today and they chose to keep these tariffs in place. This is a complete abdication of their responsibility to represent working families, and their constituents are the ones paying the price, literally.”
By voting to keep the tariffs on Canada in place, James and Barrett support an agenda that continues to raise costs, strain businesses, and force working class families in Michigan to make impossible decisions to feed their families. Which is why Michigan Families for Fair Care has unveiled a series of ads highlighting the impact tariffs have had on working class Michiganders. Rep. James and Barrett will continue to be reminded that the residents of their districts aren't back down, and they need to work on repealing these tariffs.
